Fairfax County Police To Get Special Opioid Gear

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- The opioid epidemic continues to get worse in America, and Fairfax County certainly has its share of opioid abuse. That's why local police officers will be equipped with some new gear and Narcan kits soon.

The Fairfax County Police Department has announced that they are deploying improved personal protective equipment (PPE) to their officers, according to a statement.

"There is a risk for inadvertent exposure to first responders during their day-to-day duties," the statement reads. "Touching or inhaling even a small amount of these substances can be fatal. Our officers already have masks and gloves, but the department is taking this step to add additional equipment in order to protect our residents and our officers against this dangerous threat.

"Once rollout is complete, every officer on the department will have been issued this additional improved PPE to limit exposure to this threat," the statement adds.

The department is also giving its officers Narcan kits. Narcan is a drug that reverses the effects of opioids and can save someone from an overdose.

A total of 500 Narcan kits will be issued.

Image via FCPD